Thursday, October 28, 2010

Photo dates.

Simon and I have a tradition of having dates with our kids.  On Monday afternoon after school, one parent will take one child on a date.  When that parent has worked through the children over a 4-week period, the other parent has a turn.  We would love to be able to cover all the kids in a two week block instead of over four weeks, but we are still working on that.  On a date we take the child who's turn it is to do something special with them (eg: go out for milkshakes and donuts; go for a walk/bike ride; wander the toy section of Target/Big W and dream of what we'd buy if money was not an issue; visit a playground; etc) and I always try to give them time to ask questions they've been pondering, or share things that may have been bothering them, or things they are excited about, and then at the end I pray with them before we head home.

For the last few weeks Simon has been taking the kids on "photo dates", meaning they take our old digital camera and Simon takes the new one and they go on an adventure walk through Macquarie University, taking photos of anything that interests them. I have been very impressed with some of the kids photos and decided I should share some.

Here are some of Abby's photos...




some of Tim's photos...



and some of Ben's photos...


Ezra begged for weeks to use the camera, but when it came to the actual day of his date, he decided to go for a bike ride with Simon instead.

It's been nice to see the kids get excited about 'their date', but at the same time it is a little sad that they can't get such individual attention more often.  We really need to reorganize life to make more time with them.  I am hoping to do some cooking with them on my date with each one over the next few weeks.

6 comments:

Kylie & Matt said...

We "like" this... The photos are great, and the idea is wonderful! (Well, Matt hasn't seen the photos, but I have, and I like them!)

Kylie said...

Uncle Matt has looked at the photos now, and he said "cool! a photo of a lizard!" (he now clarifies - he didn't just mean that that one was cool, they are all cool, but to try and get a photo like that of a lizard is really cool)

susan said...

Fantastic photos - your kids have talent:)

Alrischa said...

Great photos! Digital cameras are great. Good idea about the individual time together.

kelgell said...

Since you first told me of this idea I have loved it. One I'm sure will be truly treasured by each. Splendid idea. It's so interesting to see each of their personalities and character come out in their photos. I particularly like Ben's. They have good composition. (Except maybe the self shot with dad.) I hope you enjoy your cooking dates too.

Tab said...

Hey I really like that idea of making sure you each get special time with each kid. Its something I've been thinking about a little bit with the 2nd one on the way and a plan to add more in time.